The photograph above is one of the few times Michael Carrick and Ander Herrera have vied for the same space on the football pitch.

In the imminent future, they may well be competing for the same midfield role as the Spaniard's high-profile arrival from Athletic Bilbao means he will either supplement Carrick in Manchester United's midfield, or replace him entirely, as a more tackle-focused player capable of retrieving possession.

Carrick is unfazed and when commenting on the 24-year-old's arrival, said to Sky Sports: “I have played against him and he is a terrific player. The more quality we have, the better, and he is certainly right up there. So I am sure he is looking forward to getting started and getting the first game under his belt and fitting in.